Running Without Falling Down
Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your grace that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A collect is a short prayer that draws our attention to God’s exalted character and eternal attributes. When we pray a collect, whether one of the weekly or seasonal collects, or the Collect for Purity, we follow a specific pattern that addresses God, makes petitions, acknowledges the eternal unity and sovereignty of the Holy Trinity, and seals the collect with an “Amen.”
The above collect reminds us that God is forever mighty and merciful. Enthroned on high, he stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth to raise the poor from the dust and the needy from the ash heap (Psalm 113). Further, it reminds us of our constant need for grace wherever we hope to accomplish anything worthy of God or commanded by God.
As you meditate on Sunday’s collect, consider the two petitions. The first petition calls on God for grace to run the Christian race without stumbling in our faith; while the second petition solicits him for the strength needed to endure the Christian race, and so obtain the promise of eternal life. We can trust God to answer both requests because he is our Good Shepherd, always leading us in righteous paths, supplying us with everything necessary to cross the finish line.
Then, notice that we pray this collect through our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to the Letter to the Hebrews, is the founder and perfecter of our faith. I love how The Message paraphrases it:
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed — that exhilarating finish in and with God” (Hebrews 12:2).
With this appeal in mind, may we all say, Amen! So be it!
